Nigeria, with a rich heritage resources and culture, have been
partnering with other countries in its determined aspiration to
diversify the economy through creativity in the areas of culture,
tourism and entertainment.
The latest collaboration set to take place between Nigeria and
Tanzania, would require the transfer of creativity between Nigeria and
Tanzania artistes involved in movie production and musical concert.
Tagged ‘East and West Africa Amalgamation Through Arts and Tourism,’
the crux of the project is to bring together key players in Nigeria’s
Nollywood industry as well as their counterpart in Tanzania to share
their creative ingenuity with the aim of encouraging youths to explore
the potential in Africa.
The project which is the first of its kind in the world and Africa
would be premiered in Tanzania with Nigerian musical artists performing
alongside their Tanzanian colleagues at the 65,000 capacity stadium in
the country. The second leg of the production is expected to take place
in Tanzania after which the team would return to Nigeria for premiering
alongside the Nigerian and Tanzanian artistes. It would be produced in
Nigeria by Atunda Entertainment in collaboration with the Tanzanian
government while script writers would be expected to emerge with a movie
that captures Nigeria’s beautiful culture and heritage.
Meanwhile, a memorandum of understanding has been signed by both
parties as the artistes would utilise the famous La Campagne Tropicana
Beach Resort, Lagos for its premier location.
Unveiling the project in Abuja, the Tanzanian High Commissioner to
Nigeria, His Excellency Daniel O. Njoolay, pointed out that the project
was important given that Tanzanians in motion picture industry lacked
the requisite skills and expertise to boost the sector. He noted that
the project would introduce surprising cooperation between the two
countries in the areas of culture and tourism even as he appealed to the
Nigerian media to provide adequate publicity for the project.
Acknowledging that Nigeria ranked among major movie makers in the
world, the High Commissioner said that the partnership would benefit his
country in the area of technological transfer in arts and creativity.
According to him, the Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of
Culture, is deeply involved in the project and would be committing funds
to it the moment the year’s budgetary appropriation is ready.
While commending the chief executive officer of La Campagne Tropicana
Beach Resort, Lagos, Dr Wanle Akinboboye, for his tireless efforts
towards the success of the project, he revealed that the director of
Tanzania Film Board, Ms Joyce Fisoo, has arrived in Nigeria to hold
talks with her counterparts in the country. Njoolay maintained that
since Tanzania ranked second in terms of tourist attractions in the
world after Brazil the project would serve as an opportunity for both
countries to further harness their tourism potential. He added that the
maiden film titled ‘Pride’ to be shot in Tanzania would be a one and
half hour production and would be brought to Nigeria for premiering.
Also speaking, Akinboboye emphasised that the call for the
diversification of Nigeria’s economy is over-flogged, adding that it
would have taken place 25 years ago.
“In diversification, you have to do a cross analysis of strength and
weaknesses. Our greatest strength is in creativity but as number one in
Africa, in terms of movie and music, how much value have we added to the
continent?” he asked.
He wondered why many Nigerians are ignorant of the tourism potential
of Tanzania, stressing that it’s imperative to share our knowledge with
our brothers in African countries so that the continent would move
forward.
“I believe strongly that if Tanzania can be number two in the world,
the project can only explore and enhance both nations’ tourism
industries. Let us go to East Africa and develop their movie industry,”
he urged.
He explained that East and West are the most authentic sections of
Africa, noting that they intend to market the project in places like
Asia since Asians have been thirsty for authentic African culture and
cultural presentations through music or movies.
On the projected revenue, he said, “It’s difficult to come up with a
projected revenue because we will get the private sectors in Nigeria and
Tanzania to be part of the project, but we will leave the revenue
aspect until the project happens.
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